“Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H’ers, Cathy Engelage of Warren County was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame Aug. 18 at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.Engelage was among 50 inductees from 38 counties establishing a legacy totaling 1,318 years of service to 4-H. More than 250 family members and friends attended the 12th annual event.Engelage said she was surprised and humbled by the recognition.“4-H has been an important part of our lives since our boys were old enough to be members. Being able to promote agricultural and livestock production as well as rural living made it the perfect fit for me. I will continue to work to promote 4-H as long as I can,” Engelage said.She added, “Thank you Warren County 4-H for nominating me for this honor.”Engelage helped start the Homestead 4-H club in Warren County in 1986. She served as a county council member, club leader and 4-H project leader for cooking, swine, beef, sheep and goats. She helped establish the livestock buyers dinner and served on the queen pageant committee for the Warren County Fair.For the past 15 years, she has been the announcer and more at all livestock shows during the Fair. She is always willing to lend a hand to encourage exhibitors and promote youth and agriculture.The Missouri 4-H Foundation recognizes individuals who have created a legacy of service to 4-H by honoring them with membership in the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame.“These leaders have made exceptional contributions to the lives of Missouri 4-H members and we are proud to honor their service” said Chris Willow, advancement coordinator.The annual event is sponsored by FCS Financial and the Missouri State Fair in partnership with the Missouri 4-H Foundation.“Our University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth faculty and staff work in partnership with our volunteers to see they have the support needed to empower youth to succeed as future leaders,” said Dr. Alison Copeland, interim director of the MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. “Dedicated faculty and staff, committed volunteers, and spirited 4-H’ers will continue to learn and grow together to help our youth and communities thrive.”University of Missouri Extension 4-H connects the technical knowledge of Mizzou youth across Missouri learning about the sciences, leadership, citizenship and skills for life. For more than 65 years, the Missouri 4-H Foundation has been managing funds for the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, providing higher education scholarships and recognizing 4-H volunteers.

Cathy Engelage, center, a Warren County 4-H volunteer, was inducted into the Missouri 4H Hall of Fame. She is pictured with Missouri 4-H Foundation Trustee, Joan Hickman, left, and State 4-H Council member Rachel Love (right). 

Submitted photo/Casey Buckman Photography